System for triggering resource channel mapping for dynamic authentication

ABSTRACT

Systems, computer program products, and methods are described herein for triggering resource channel mapping for dynamic authentication. The present invention is configured to receive, from a user input device, a request from a user to access resources via a first resource channel; retrieve information associated with the user; query a resource channel repository using the information associated with the user; retrieve, from the resource channel repository, information associated with a second resource channel based on at least the query, wherein the second resource channel is associated with the user; in response, automatically trigger a resource channel mapping engine; map, using the resource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and the first resource channel; and in response, authorize the request to access the resources via the first resource channel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention embraces a system for triggering resource channelmapping for dynamic authentication.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, peer-to-peer (P2P) resource transfers have developed todescribe a new way of exchanging resources without relying ontraditional intermediaries. As more users and/or entities adopt P2Presource transfer systems, there exists an authorization disconnectbetween P2P resource transfers and existing resource transfer methods,causing a need for a system for triggering resource channel mapping fordynamic authentication.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsof the present invention, in order to provide a basic understanding ofsuch embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all embodiments nor delineate the scope of any orall embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one ormore embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect, a system for triggering resource channel mapping fordynamic authentication is presented. The system comprising: at least onenon-transitory storage device; and at least one processor coupled to theat least one non-transitory storage device, wherein the at least oneprocessor is configured to: electronically receive, from a user inputdevice, a request from a user to access resources via a first resourcechannel; retrieve information associated with the user; query a resourcechannel repository using the information associated with the user;retrieve, from the resource channel repository, information associatedwith a second resource channel based on at least the query, wherein thesecond resource channel is associated with the user; in response,automatically trigger a resource channel mapping engine; map, using theresource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel; and in response, authorize the request to accessthe resources via the first resource channel.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configuredto: retrieve, using the resource channel mapping engine, one or moreaccess management authorization requirements associated with the secondresource channel.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configuredto: dynamically generate an authentication prompt based on at least theone or more access management authorization requirements associated withthe second resource channel; and transmit control signals configured tocause the user input device to display the authentication prompt.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configuredto: electronically receive, from the user input device, one or moreauthentication credentials in response to the authentication prompt;determine that the one or more authentication credentials meet the oneor more access management requirements associated with the secondresource channel; and in response, map, using the resource channelmapping engine, the second resource channel and the first resourcechannel.

In some embodiments, the request to access the resources furthercomprises a user presentment of a payment instrument.

In some embodiments, the second resource channel comprises peer-to-peer(P2P) resource transfer.

In some embodiments, the at least one processor is further configuredto: transmit control signals configured to cause the user input deviceto display a notification that the first resource channel is mapped withthe second resource channel; in response, electronically receive, fromthe user input device, a user input to switch from the first resourcechannel to the second resource channel to access the resources; and inresponse, authorize the request to access the resources via the secondresource channel.

In another aspect, a computer program product for triggering resourcechannel mapping for dynamic authentication is presented. The computerprogram product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising code causing a first apparatus to: electronically receive,from a user input device, a request from a user to access resources viaa first resource channel; retrieve information associated with the user;query a resource channel repository using the information associatedwith the user; retrieve, from the resource channel repository,information associated with a second resource channel based on at leastthe query, wherein the second resource channel is associated with theuser; in response, automatically trigger a resource channel mappingengine; map, using the resource channel mapping engine, the secondresource channel and the first resource channel; and in response,authorize the request to access the resources via the first resourcechannel.

In yet another aspect, a method for triggering resource channel mappingfor dynamic authentication is presented. The method comprising:electronically receiving, from a user input device, a request from auser to access resources via a first resource channel; retrievinginformation associated with the user; querying a resource channelrepository using the information associated with the user; retrieving,from the resource channel repository, information associated with asecond resource channel based on at least the query, wherein the secondresource channel is associated with the user; in response, automaticallytriggering a resource channel mapping engine; mapping, using theresource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel; and in response, authorizing the request toaccess the resources via the first resource channel.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may beachieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventionor may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of whichcan be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms,reference will now be made the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates technical components of a system for triggeringresource channel mapping for dynamic authentication, in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow for triggering resource channelmapping for dynamic authentication, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singularform herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa,unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a”and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one ormore” is also used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein thatsomething is “based on” something else, it may be based on one or moreother things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicatedotherwise, as used herein “based on” means “based at least in part on”or “based at least partially on.” Like numbers refer to like elementsthroughout.

As used herein, an “entity” may be any institution employing informationtechnology resources and particularly technology infrastructureconfigured for processing large amounts of data. Typically, these datacan be related to the people who work for the organization, its productsor services, the customers or any other aspect of the operations of theorganization. As such, the entity may be any institution, group,association, financial institution, establishment, company, union,authority or the like, employing information technology resources forprocessing large amounts of data.

As described herein, a “user” may be an individual associated with anentity. As such, in some embodiments, the user may be an individualhaving past relationships, current relationships or potential futurerelationships with an entity. In some embodiments, a “user” may be anemployee (e.g., an associate, a project manager, an IT specialist, amanager, an administrator, an internal operations analyst, or the like)of the entity or enterprises affiliated with the entity, capable ofoperating the systems described herein. In some embodiments, a “user”may be any individual, entity or system who has a relationship with theentity, such as a customer or a prospective customer. In otherembodiments, a user may be a system performing one or more tasksdescribed herein.

As used herein, a “user interface” may be any device or software thatallows a user to input information, such as commands or data, into adevice, or that allows the device to output information to the user. Forexample, the user interface includes a graphical user interface (GUI) oran interface to input computer-executable instructions that direct aprocessor to carry out specific functions. The user interface typicallyemploys certain input and output devices to input data received from auser second user or output data to a user. These input and outputdevices may include a display, mouse, keyboard, button, touchpad, touchscreen, microphone, speaker, LED, light, joystick, switch, buzzer, bell,and/or other user input/output device for communicating with one or moreusers.

As used herein, an “engine” may refer to core elements of a computerprogram, or part of a computer program that serves as a foundation for alarger piece of software and drives the functionality of the software.An engine may be self-contained, but externally-controllable code thatencapsulates powerful logic designed to perform or execute a specifictype of function. In one aspect, an engine may be underlying source codethat establishes file hierarchy, input and output methods, and how aspecific part of a computer program interacts or communicates with othersoftware and/or hardware. The specific components of an engine may varybased on the needs of the specific computer program as part of thelarger piece of software. In some embodiments, an engine may beconfigured to retrieve resources created in other computer programs,which may then be ported into the engine for use during specificoperational aspects of the engine. An engine may be configurable to beimplemented within any general purpose computing system. In doing so,the engine may be configured to execute source code embedded therein tocontrol specific features of the general purpose computing system toexecute specific computing operations, thereby transforming the generalpurpose system into a specific purpose computing system.

As used herein, “authentication credentials” may be any information thatcan be used to identify of a user. For example, a system may prompt auser to enter authentication information such as a username, a password,a personal identification number (PIN), a passcode, biometricinformation (e.g., iris recognition, retina scans, fingerprints, fingerveins, palm veins, palm prints, digital bone anatomy/structure andpositioning (distal phalanges, intermediate phalanges, proximalphalanges, and the like), an answer to a security question, a uniqueintrinsic user activity, such as making a predefined motion with a userdevice. This authentication information may be used to authenticate theidentity of the user (e.g., determine that the authenticationinformation is associated with the account) and determine that the userhas authority to access an account or system. In some embodiments, thesystem may be owned or operated by an entity. In such embodiments, theentity may employ additional computer systems, such as authenticationservers, to validate and certify resources inputted by the plurality ofusers within the system. The system may further use its authenticationservers to certify the identity of users of the system, such that otherusers may verify the identity of the certified users. In someembodiments, the entity may certify the identity of the users.Furthermore, authentication information or permission may be assigned toor required from a user, application, computing node, computing cluster,or the like to access stored data within at least a portion of thesystem.

It should also be understood that “operatively coupled,” as used herein,means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, ormay be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, “operativelycoupled” means that the components may be formed directly to each other,or to each other with one or more components located between thecomponents that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore,“operatively coupled” may mean that the components are detachable fromeach other, or that they are permanently coupled together. Furthermore,operatively coupled components may mean that the components retain atleast some freedom of movement in one or more directions or may berotated about an axis (i.e., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled).Furthermore, “operatively coupled” may mean that components may beelectronically connected and/or in fluid communication with one another.

As used herein, an “interaction” may refer to any communication betweenone or more users, one or more entities or institutions, and/or one ormore devices, nodes, clusters, or systems within the system environmentdescribed herein. For example, an interaction may refer to a transfer ofdata between devices, an accessing of stored data by one or more nodesof a computing cluster, a transmission of a requested task, or the like.

As used herein, “determining” may encompass a variety of actions. Forexample, “determining” may include calculating, computing, processing,deriving, investigating, ascertaining, and/or the like. Furthermore,“determining” may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information),accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and/or the like. Also,“determining” may include resolving, selecting, choosing, calculating,establishing, and/or the like. Determining may also include ascertainingthat a parameter matches a predetermined criterion, including that athreshold has been met, passed, exceeded, and so on.

As used herein, a “resource” may generally refer to objects, products,devices, goods, commodities, services, and the like, and/or the abilityand opportunity to access and use the same. Some example implementationsherein contemplate property held by a user, including property that isstored and/or maintained by a third-party entity. In some exampleimplementations, a resource may be associated with one or more accountsor may be property that is not associated with a specific account.Examples of resources associated with accounts may be accounts that havecash or cash equivalents, commodities, and/or accounts that are fundedwith or contain property, such as safety deposit boxes containingjewelry, art or other valuables, a trust account that is funded withproperty, or the like. For purposes of this invention, a resource istypically stored in a resource repository - a storage location where oneor more resources are organized, stored and retrieved electronicallyusing a computing device.

As used herein, a “resource access,” “resource transfer,” “resourcedistribution,” or “resource allocation” may refer to any transaction,activities or communication between one or more entities, or between theuser and the one or more entities. A resource transfer may refer to anydistribution of resources such as, but not limited to, a payment,processing of funds, purchase of goods or services, a return of goods orservices, a payment transaction, a credit transaction, or otherinteractions involving a user's resource or account. Unless specificallylimited by the context, a “resource transfer” a “transaction”,“transaction event” or “point of transaction event” may refer to anyactivity between a user, a merchant, an entity, or any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, a resource transfer or transaction mayrefer to financial transactions involving direct or indirect movement offunds through traditional paper transaction processing systems (i.e.paper check processing) or through electronic transaction processingsystems. Typical financial transactions include point of sale (POS)transactions, automated teller machine (ATM) transactions,person-to-person (P2P) transfers, internet transactions, onlineshopping, electronic funds transfers between accounts, transactions witha financial institution teller, personal checks, conducting purchasesusing loyalty/rewards points etc. When discussing that resourcetransfers or transactions are evaluated it could mean that thetransaction has already occurred, is in the process of occurring orbeing processed, or it has yet to be processed/posted by one or morefinancial institutions. In some embodiments, a resource transfer ortransaction may refer to non-financial activities of the user. In thisregard, the transaction may be a customer account event, such as but notlimited to the customer changing a password, ordering new checks, addingnew accounts, opening new accounts, adding or modifying accountparameters/restrictions, modifying a payee list associated with one ormore accounts, setting up automatic payments, performing/modifyingauthentication procedures and/or credentials, and the like.

As used herein, “payment instrument” may refer to an electronic paymentvehicle, such as an electronic credit or debit card. The paymentinstrument may not be a “card” at all and may instead be accountidentifying information stored electronically in a user device, such aspayment credentials or tokens/aliases associated with a digital wallet,or account identifiers stored by a mobile application. In accordancewith embodiments of the invention, the term “module” with respect to anapparatus may refer to a hardware component of the apparatus, a softwarecomponent of the apparatus, or a component of the apparatus thatcomprises both hardware and software. In accordance with embodiments ofthe invention, the term “chip” may refer to an integrated circuit, amicroprocessor, a system-on-a-chip, a microcontroller, or the like thatmay either be integrated into the external apparatus or may be insertedand removed from the external apparatus by a user.

In recent years, peer-to-peer (P2P) resource transfers have developed todescribe a new way of exchanging resources without relying ontraditional intermediaries. As more users and/or entities adopt P2Presource transfer systems, there exists an authorization disconnectbetween P2P resource transfers and existing resource transfer methods,causing a need for a system for triggering resource channel mapping fordynamic authentication. In other words, there is no linkage between theP2P resource transfer process and traditional payment instrumenttransfer process. While receiving entities (e.g., other financialinstitutions) may be able validate whether a user is associated with theP2P resource distribution account using a unique user identifier, thereis an authorization disconnect between the authorization required toexecute a P2P resource transfer and an authorization required to executethe traditional payment instrument transfer. Therefore, there is a needensure that receiving entities have proper information to reconcileaccurate resource transfers with minimal exposure.

Accordingly, the present invention receives, from a user input device, arequest from a user to access resources (e.g., transaction) within adistributed network, via a first resource channel (e.g., paymentinstrument network). To be eligible to access resources within thedistributed network via a particular resource channel, the user may berequired to register with the entity. The registration process includesgathering and verifying user-specific information. Depending on theparticular resource channel, the requirements for user-specificinformation may vary. The user may be required to establish independentaccess management authorization requirements for each resource channelduring the registration process. On successful registration,user-specific information for each resource channel may be stored in aresource channel repository along with their corresponding accessmanagement authorization requirements. Next, the present inventionretrieves information associated with the user. By querying the resourcechannel repository using the information associated with the user, thesystem may be configured to identify other resource channels availableto the user for accessing resources. Based on the query, the presentinvention retrieves, from the resource channel repository, informationassociated with a second resource channel (e.g., P2P resource transfer).In response, the present invention automatically triggers a resourcechannel mapping engine to link authorization procedures between multipleresource channels for the users. Using the resource channel mappingengine, the present invention links the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel. To this end, the present invention retrieves,using the resource channel mapping engine, one or more access managementauthorization requirements associated with the second resource channel.Based on the access management authorization requirements, the presentinvention dynamically generates an authentication prompt for the user.The authentication prompt may require the user to input authenticationcredentials for verification purposes. The present invention determinesthat the authentication credentials meet the access managementrequirements associated with the second resource channel. In response,maps/links the two resource channels. Once the resource channels arelinked, the present invention authorizes the request to access theresources via the first resource channel. In the alternative, thepresent invention allows the user to switch to the second resourcechannel to access the resources.

FIG. 1 illustrates technical components of a system for triggeringresource channel mapping for dynamic authentication 100, in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 provides a unique systemthat includes specialized servers and system communicably linked acrossa distributive network of nodes required to perform the functions of theprocess flows described herein in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

As illustrated, the system environment 100 includes a network 110, asystem 130, and a user input device 140. In some embodiments, the system130, and the user input device 140 may be used to implement theprocesses described herein, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this regard, the system 130 and/or the user inputdevice 140 may include one or more applications stored thereon that areconfigured to interact with one another to implement any one or moreportions of the various user interfaces and/or process flow describedherein.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the system 130 isintended to represent various forms of digital computers, such aslaptops, desktops, video recorders, audio/video player, radio,workstations, servers, wearable devices, Internet-of-things devices,electronic kiosk devices (e.g., automated teller machine devices), bladeservers, mainframes, or any combination of the aforementioned. Inaccordance with embodiments of the invention, the user input device 140is intended to represent various forms of mobile devices, such aspersonal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, augmentedreality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, extended reality(XR) devices, and other similar computing devices. The components shownhere, their connections and relationships, and their functions, aremeant to be exemplary only, and are not meant to limit implementationsof the inventions described and/or claimed in this document.

In accordance with some embodiments, the system 130 may include aprocessor 102, memory 104, a storage device 106, a high-speed interface108 connecting to memory 104, and a low-speed interface 112 connectingto low speed bus 114 and storage device 106. Each of the components 102,104, 106, 108, 111, and 112 are interconnected using various buses, andmay be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners asappropriate. The processor 102 can process instructions for executionwithin the system 130, including instructions stored in the memory 104or on the storage device 106 to display graphical information for a GUIon an external input/output device, such as display 116 coupled to ahigh-speed interface 108. In other implementations, multiple processorsand/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiplememories and types of memory. Also, multiple systems, same or similar tosystem 130 may be connected, with each system providing portions of thenecessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers,or a multi-processor system). In some embodiments, the system 130 may bea server managed by the business. The system 130 may be located at thefacility associated with the business or remotely from the facilityassociated with the business.

The memory 104 stores information within the system 130. In oneimplementation, the memory 104 is a volatile memory unit or units, suchas volatile random access memory (RAM) having a cache area for thetemporary storage of information. In another implementation, the memory104 is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The memory 104 may also beanother form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or opticaldisk, which may be embedded and/or may be removable. The non-volatilememory may additionally or alternatively include an EEPROM, flashmemory, and/or the like. The memory 104 may store any one or more ofpieces of information and data used by the system in which it resides toimplement the functions of that system. In this regard, the system maydynamically utilize the volatile memory over the non-volatile memory bystoring multiple pieces of information in the volatile memory, therebyreducing the load on the system and increasing the processing speed.

The storage device 106 is capable of providing mass storage for thesystem 130. In one aspect, the storage device 106 may be or contain acomputer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard diskdevice, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory orother similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices,including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. Acomputer program product can be tangibly embodied in an informationcarrier. The computer program product may also contain instructionsthat, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as thosedescribed above. The information carrier may be a non-transitorycomputer- or machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory 104,the storage device 104, or memory on processor 102.

In some embodiments, the system 130 may be configured to access, via thenetwork110, a number of other computing devices (not shown) in additionto the user input device 140. In this regard, the system 130 may beconfigured to access one or more storage devices and/or one or morememory devices associated with each of the other computing devices. Inthis way, the system 130 may implement dynamic allocation andde-allocation of local memory resources among multiple computing devicesin a parallel or distributed system. Given a group of computing devicesand a collection of interconnected local memory devices, thefragmentation of memory resources is rendered irrelevant by configuringthe system 130 to dynamically allocate memory based on availability ofmemory either locally, or in any of the other computing devicesaccessible via the network. In effect, it appears as though the memoryis being allocated from a central pool of memory, even though the spaceis distributed throughout the system. This method of dynamicallyallocating memory provides increased flexibility when the data sizechanges during the lifetime of an application and allows memory reusefor better utilization of the memory resources when the data sizes arelarge.

The high-speed interface 108 manages bandwidth-intensive operations forthe system 130, while the low speed controller 112 manages lowerbandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions isexemplary only. In some embodiments, the high-speed interface 108 iscoupled to memory 104, display 116 (e.g., through a graphics processoror accelerator), and to high-speed expansion ports 111, which may acceptvarious expansion cards (not shown). In such an implementation,low-speed controller 112 is coupled to storage device 106 and low-speedexpansion port 114. The low-speed expansion port 114, which may includevarious communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wirelessEthernet), may be coupled to one or more input/output devices, such as akeyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as aswitch or router, e.g., through a network adapter.

The system 130 may be implemented in a number of different forms, asshown in FIG. 1 . For example, it may be implemented as a standardserver, or multiple times in a group of such servers. Additionally, thesystem 130 may also be implemented as part of a rack server system or apersonal computer such as a laptop computer. Alternatively, componentsfrom system 130 may be combined with one or more other same or similarsystems and an entire system 130 may be made up of multiple computingdevices communicating with each other.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a user input device 140, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The user input device 140 includes aprocessor 152, memory 154, an input/output device such as a display 156,a communication interface 158, and a transceiver 160, among othercomponents. The user input device 140 may also be provided with astorage device, such as a microdrive or other device, to provideadditional storage. Each of the components 152, 154, 158, and 160, areinterconnected using various buses, and several of the components may bemounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor 152 is configured to execute instructions within the userinput device 140, including instructions stored in the memory 154. Theprocessor may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separateand multiple analog and digital processors. The processor may beconfigured to provide, for example, for coordination of the othercomponents of the user input device 140, such as control of userinterfaces, applications run by user input device 140, and wirelesscommunication by user input device 140.

The processor 152 may be configured to communicate with the user throughcontrol interface 164 and display interface 166 coupled to a display156. The display 156 may be, for example, a TFT LCD(Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic LightEmitting Diode) display, or other appropriate display technology. Thedisplay interface 156 may comprise appropriate circuitry and configuredfor driving the display 156 to present graphical and other informationto a user. The control interface 164 may receive commands from a userand convert them for submission to the processor 152. In addition, anexternal interface 168 may be provided in communication with processor152, so as to enable near area communication of user input device 140with other devices. External interface 168 may provide, for example, forwired communication in some implementations, or for wirelesscommunication in other implementations, and multiple interfaces may alsobe used.

The memory 154 stores information within the user input device 140. Thememory 154 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readablemedium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatilememory unit or units. Expansion memory may also be provided andconnected to user input device 140 through an expansion interface (notshown), which may include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line MemoryModule) card interface. Such expansion memory may provide extra storagespace for user input device 140 or may also store applications or otherinformation therein. In some embodiments, expansion memory may includeinstructions to carry out or supplement the processes described aboveand may include secure information also. For example, expansion memorymay be provided as a security module for user input device 140 and maybe programmed with instructions that permit secure use of user inputdevice 140. In addition, secure applications may be provided via theSIMM cards, along with additional information, such as placingidentifying information on the SIMM card in a non-hackable manner. Insome embodiments, the user may use the applications to execute processesdescribed with respect to the process flows described herein.Specifically, the application executes the process flows describedherein.

The memory 154 may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAMmemory. In one aspect, a computer program product is tangibly embodiedin an information carrier. The computer program product containsinstructions that, when executed, perform one or more methods, such asthose described herein. The information carrier is a computer-ormachine-readable medium, such as the memory 154, expansion memory,memory on processor 152, or a propagated signal that may be received,for example, over transceiver 160 or external interface 168.

In some embodiments, the user may use the user input device 140 totransmit and/or receive information or commands to and from the system130 via the network 110. Any communication between the system 130 andthe user input device 140 (or any other computing devices) may besubject to an authentication protocol allowing the system 130 tomaintain security by permitting only authenticated users (or processes)to access the protected resources of the system 130, which may includeservers, databases, applications, and/or any of the components describedherein. To this end, the system 130 may require the user (or process) toprovide authentication credentials to determine whether the user (orprocess) is eligible to access the protected resources. Once theauthentication credentials are validated and the user (or process) isauthenticated, the system 130 may provide the user (or process) withpermissioned access to the protected resources. Similarly, the userinput device 140 (or any other computing devices) may provide the system130 with permissioned to access the protected resources of the userinput device 130 (or any other computing devices), which may include aGPS device, an image capturing component (e.g., camera), a microphone, aspeaker, and/or any of the components described herein.

The user input device 140 may communicate with the system 130 (and oneor more other devices) wirelessly through communication interface 158,which may include digital signal processing circuitry where necessary.Communication interface 158 may provide for communications under variousmodes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS messaging,CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others. Suchcommunication may occur, for example, through radio-frequencytransceiver 160. In addition, short-range communication may occur, suchas using a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module 170 mayprovide additional navigation- and location-related wireless data touser input device 140, which may be used as appropriate by applicationsrunning thereon, and in some embodiments, one or more applicationsoperating on the system 130.

The user input device 140 may also communicate audibly using audio codec162, which may receive spoken information from a user and convert it tousable digital information. Audio codec 162 may likewise generateaudible sound for a user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handsetof user input device 140. Such sound may include sound from voicetelephone calls, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, musicfiles, etc.) and may also include sound generated by one or moreapplications operating on the user input device 140, and in someembodiments, one or more applications operating on the system 130.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium”“computer-readable medium” refers to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory,Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructionsand/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readablemedium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in atechnical environment that includes a back end component (e.g., as adata server), that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the components of the system 130 and the user inputdevice 140 are interconnected using the network 110. The network 110,which may be include one or more separate networks, be a form of digitalcommunication network such as a telecommunication network, a local areanetwork (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), a global area network(“GAN”), the Internet, or any combination of the foregoing. It will alsobe understood that the network 110 may be secure and/or unsecure and mayalso include wireless and/or wired and/or optical interconnectiontechnology.

In accordance with an embodiments of the invention, the components ofthe system environment 100, such as the system 130 and the user inputdevice 140 may have a client-server relationship, where the user inputdevice 130 makes a service request to the system 130, the system 130accepts the service request, processes the service request, and returnsthe requested information to the user input device 140, and vice versa.This relationship of client and server typically arises by virtue ofcomputer programs running on the respective computers and having aclient-server relationship to each other.

It will be understood that the embodiment of the system environment 100illustrated in FIG. 1 is exemplary and that other embodiments may vary.As another example, in some embodiments, the system environment mayinclude more, fewer, or different components. As another example, insome embodiments, some or all of the portions of the system environment100 may be combined into a single portion. Likewise, in someembodiments, some or all of the portions of the system 130 may beseparated into two or more distinct portions.

FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow for triggering resource channelmapping for dynamic authentication 200, in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. As shown in block 202, the process flow includeselectronically receiving, from a user input device, a request from auser to access resources within a distributed network, via a firstresource channel. In some embodiments, to be eligible to accessresources within the distributed network via a particular resourcechannel, the user may be required to register with the entity. Theregistration process typically includes gathering and verifyinguser-specific information beforehand. Depending on the particularresource channel, the requirements for user-specific information mayvary. In one example, if the request is to access the resources via auser presentment of a payment instrument, the user-specific informationrequirements may include personal identification information, i.e.,information that identifies the user such as a full name, SocialSecurity number, driver's license number, bank account number, passportnumber, and/or the like. In another example, if the request is to accessthe resources via a user input device, the user-specific informationrequirements may additionally include device configuration parameters,i.e., information associated with the user input device such as a uniquedevice identification number, a device type, device address, networkaddress, device permission levels, and/or the like. In yet anotherexample, if the request is to access the resources via peer-to-peer(P2P) transfer, the user-specific information requirements mayadditionally include publicly identifiable information (e.g., phonenumber, e-mail address, and/or the like) that is used to identify theuser to one or more users within the distributed network.

In some embodiments, the user may be required to establish independentaccess management authorization requirements for each resource channelduring the registration process. The access management authorizationrequirements may be unique to each resource channel. An accessmanagement authorization requirement established for one resourcechannel may not be applicable to the authentication procedure foranother resource channel. Each access management authorizationrequirement may include a set of authentication credentials. While someof these authentication credentials may overlap for certain accessmanagement authorization requirements, some may not. For example, theaccess management authorization requirement for a request to accessresources using a payment instrument may include a chip-cardverification procedure, while the authentication procedure for a requestto access resources using a P2P transfer may include a username/passwordand PIN requirement. In some embodiments, the access managementauthorization requirement for each resource channel may be establishedby the entity that manages the resources and the resource channels. Onsuccessful registration, user-specific information for each resourcechannel may be stored in a resource channel repository along with theircorresponding access management authorization requirements.

Next, as shown in block 204, the process flow includes retrievinginformation associated with the user. In embodiments where the requestto access the resources includes a user presentment of a paymentinstrument, the system may be configured to automatically captureinformation associated with the user directly from the paymentinstrument. Typically, information capable of capture from the paymentinstrument may be limited. However, this information is cross-checkedwith internal data repositories to identify addition informationassociated with the user.

Next, as shown in block 206, the process flow includes querying aresource channel repository using the information associated with theuser. By querying the resource channel repository using the informationassociated with the user, the system may be configured to identify otherresource channels available to the user for accessing resources.

Next, as shown in block 208, the process flow includes retrieving, fromthe resource channel repository, information associated with a secondresource channel based on at least the query, wherein the secondresource channel is associated with the user. In some embodiments, thesecond resource channel may include a P2P resource transfer, i.e.,instant resource transfers that make it simple and secure to transactwith friends, family, trusted businesses and professionals without adedicated payment instrument such as a card, or check, or traditionalmulti-step wire transfer process.

Next, as shown in block 210, the process flow includes, in response,automatically triggering a resource channel mapping engine. The resourcechannel mapping engine may be used to link authorization proceduresbetween multiple resource channels for the users.

Next, as shown in block 212, the process flow includes mapping, usingthe resource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel. In some embodiments, to map the two resourcechannels, i.e., the first resource channel and the second resourcechannel, the system may be configured to retrieve, using the resourcechannel mapping engine, one or more access management authorizationrequirements associated with the second resource channel. Based on theaccess management authorization requirements, the system may beconfigured to dynamically generate an authentication prompt for theuser. Once generated, the system may be configured to transmit controlsignals configured to cause the user input device to display theauthentication prompt. In some embodiments, the authentication promptmay require the user to input authentication credentials forverification purposes. Accordingly, the system may be configured toelectronically receive, from the user input device, one or moreauthentication credentials in response to the authentication prompt.Once received, the system may be configured to determine that the one ormore authentication credentials meet the one or more access managementrequirements associated with the second resource channel. In response,the system may be configured map, using the resource channel mappingengine, the second resource channel and the first resource channel.

Next, as shown in block 214, the process flow includes, in response,authorize the request to access the resources via the first resourcechannel.

In some embodiments, once the resource channels are mapped, the systemmay be configured to transmit control signals configured to cause theuser input device to display a notification that the first resourcechannel is mapped with the second resource channel. In response, thesystem may be configured to electronically receive, from the user inputdevice, a user input to switch from the first resource channel to thesecond resource channel to access the resources. Based on the userinput, the system may be configured to authorize the request to accessthe resources via the second resource channel.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in view ofthis disclosure, the present invention may include and/or be embodied asan apparatus (including, for example, a system, machine, device,computer program product, and/or the like), as a method (including, forexample, a business method, computer-implemented process, and/or thelike), or as any combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodimentsof the present invention may take the form of an entirely businessmethod embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,resident software, micro-code, stored procedures in a database, or thelike), an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combiningbusiness method, software, and hardware aspects that may generally bereferred to herein as a “system.” Furthermore, embodiments of thepresent invention may take the form of a computer program product thatincludes a computer-readable storage medium having one or morecomputer-executable program code portions stored therein. As usedherein, a processor, which may include one or more processors, may be“configured to” perform a certain function in a variety of ways,including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuitsperform the function by executing one or more computer-executableprogram code portions embodied in a computer-readable medium, and/or byhaving one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

It will be understood that any suitable computer-readable medium may beutilized. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limitedto, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangibleelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/orsemiconductor system, device, and/or other apparatus. For example, insome embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes atangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or some other tangible optical and/ormagnetic storage device. In other embodiments of the present invention,however, the computer-readable medium may be transitory, such as, forexample, a propagation signal including computer-executable program codeportions embodied therein.

One or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying outoperations of the present invention may include object-oriented,scripted, and/or unscripted programming languages, such as, for example,Java, Perl, Smalltalk, C++, SAS, SQL, Python, Objective C, JavaScript,and/or the like. In some embodiments, the one or morecomputer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations ofembodiments of the present invention are written in conventionalprocedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming languagesand/or similar programming languages. The computer program code mayalternatively or additionally be written in one or more multi-paradigmprogramming languages, such as, for example, F#.

Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of apparatusand/or methods. It will be understood that each block included in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations ofblocks included in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams,may be implemented by one or more computer-executable program codeportions. These one or more computer-executable program code portionsmay be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, and/or some other programmable data processingapparatus in order to produce a particular machine, such that the one ormore computer-executable program code portions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer and/or other programmable data processingapparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the steps and/or functionsrepresented by the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may be storedin a transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g. amemory) that can direct, instruct, and/or cause a computer and/or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the computer-executable program code portions storedin the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufactureincluding instruction mechanisms which implement the steps and/orfunctions specified in the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

The one or more computer-executable program code portions may also beloaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processingapparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on thecomputer and/or other programmable apparatus. In some embodiments, thisproduces a computer-implemented process such that the one or morecomputer-executable program code portions which execute on the computerand/or other programmable apparatus provide operational steps toimplement the steps specified in the flowchart(s) and/or the functionsspecified in the block diagram block(s). Alternatively,computer-implemented steps may be combined with, and/or replaced with,operator- and/or human-implemented steps in order to carry out anembodiment of the present invention.

Although many embodiments of the present invention have just beendescribed above, the present invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Also, it will beunderstood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features,functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodimentsof the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may beincluded in any of the other embodiments of the present inventiondescribed and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition,where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein aremeant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unlessexplicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an”shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is alsoused herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other changes,combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition tothose set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, andcombinations of the just described embodiments can be configured withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it isto be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

1. A system for triggering resource channel mapping for dynamicauthentication, the system comprising: at least one non-transitorystorage device; and at least one processor coupled to the at least onenon-transitory storage device, wherein the at least one processor isconfigured to: electronically receive, from a user input device, arequest from a user to access resources via a first resource channel;retrieve information associated with the user; query a resource channelrepository using the information associated with the user; retrieve,from the resource channel repository, information associated with asecond resource channel based on at least the query, wherein the secondresource channel is associated with the user; in response, automaticallytrigger a resource channel mapping engine; map, using the resourcechannel mapping engine, the second resource channel and the firstresource channel; and in response, authorize the request to access theresources via the first resource channel.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: retrieve,using the resource channel mapping engine, one or more access managementauthorization requirements associated with the second resource channel.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: dynamically generate an authentication prompt based on atleast the one or more access management authorization requirementsassociated with the second resource channel; and transmit controlsignals configured to cause the user input device to display theauthentication prompt.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at leastone processor is further configured to: electronically receive, from theuser input device, one or more authentication credentials in response tothe authentication prompt; determine that the one or more authenticationcredentials meet the one or more access management requirementsassociated with the second resource channel; and in response, map, usingthe resource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the request toaccess the resources further comprises a user presentment of a paymentinstrument.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second resourcechannel comprises peer-to-peer (P2P) resource transfer.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:transmit control signals configured to cause the user input device todisplay a notification that the first resource channel is mapped withthe second resource channel; in response, electronically receive, fromthe user input device, a user input to switch from the first resourcechannel to the second resource channel to access the resources; and inresponse, authorize the request to access the resources via the secondresource channel.
 8. A computer program product for triggering resourcechannel mapping for dynamic authentication, the computer program productcomprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising codecausing a first apparatus to: electronically receive, from a user inputdevice, a request from a user to access resources via a first resourcechannel; retrieve information associated with the user; query a resourcechannel repository using the information associated with the user;retrieve, from the resource channel repository, information associatedwith a second resource channel based on at least the query, wherein thesecond resource channel is associated with the user; in response,automatically trigger a resource channel mapping engine; map, using theresource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel; and in response, authorize the request to accessthe resources via the first resource channel.
 9. The computer programproduct of claim 8, wherein the code further causes the first apparatusto: retrieve, using the resource channel mapping engine, one or moreaccess management authorization requirements associated with the secondresource channel.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9, whereinthe code further causes the first apparatus is further configured to:dynamically generate an authentication prompt based on at least the oneor more access management authorization requirements associated with thesecond resource channel; and transmit control signals configured tocause the user input device to display the authentication prompt. 11.The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the code furthercauses the first apparatus to: electronically receive, from the userinput device, one or more authentication credentials in response to theauthentication prompt; determine that the one or more authenticationcredentials meet the one or more access management requirementsassociated with the second resource channel; and in response, map, usingthe resource channel mapping engine, the second resource channel and thefirst resource channel.
 12. The computer program product of claim 8,wherein the request to access the resources further comprises a userpresentment of a payment instrument.
 13. The computer program product ofclaim 8, wherein the second resource channel comprises peer-to-peer(P2P) resource transfer.
 14. The computer program product of claim 8,wherein the code further causes the first apparatus is furtherconfigured to: transmit control signals configured to cause the userinput device to display a notification that the first resource channelis mapped with the second resource channel; in response, electronicallyreceive, from the user input device, a user input to switch from thefirst resource channel to the second resource channel to access theresources; and in response, authorize the request to access theresources via the second resource channel.
 15. A method for triggeringresource channel mapping for dynamic authentication, the methodcomprising: electronically receiving, from a user input device, arequest from a user to access resources via a first resource channel;retrieving information associated with the user; querying a resourcechannel repository using the information associated with the user;retrieving, from the resource channel repository, information associatedwith a second resource channel based on at least the query, wherein thesecond resource channel is associated with the user; in response,automatically triggering a resource channel mapping engine; mapping,using the resource channel mapping engine, the second resource channeland the first resource channel; and in response, authorizing the requestto access the resources via the first resource channel.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: retrieving, using theresource channel mapping engine, one or more access managementauthorization requirements associated with the second resource channel.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:dynamically generating an authentication prompt based on at least theone or more access management authorization requirements associated withthe second resource channel; and transmitting control signals configuredto cause the user input device to display the authentication prompt. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:electronically receiving, from the user input device, one or moreauthentication credentials in response to the authentication prompt;determining that the one or more authentication credentials meet the oneor more access management requirements associated with the secondresource channel; and in response, mapping, using the resource channelmapping engine, the second resource channel and the first resourcechannel.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the request to access theresources further comprises a user presentment of a payment instrument.20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second resource channelcomprises peer-to-peer (P2P) resource transfer.